Despite growing tensions, Malacañang said President Marcos has no immediate plans to take legal action against individuals making strong statements against the government.

Palace Press Office and Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro said this amid the series of rallies being staged in different parts of the country following the arrest and surrender of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week.

In a press briefing on Monday, March 17, the Palace official said that while the government remains watchful of such rhetoric, there is no indication that the President will move to file cases at this time.

"As of the moment, there's no indication on the part of the President that he will do that," she said.

Castro, however, said the government draws a line between free speech and inciting sedition.

"Kapag ka po nandoon na po yung elemento ng inciting to sedition (If we see the elements of inciting sedition) which is, of course, without any tumultuous uprising, but they are encouraging people to sow hatred to the government, to the President, then we have to step up," she said.

With this, Castro urged the public, particularly Duterte's supporters, to remain calm as they staged protests in support of the former president.

"Ang tangi lamang po nating hiling ay sana po ay maging mahinahon at alamin po ang katotohanan (Our only request is for everyone to remain calm and seek the truth)," she said.

Castro said the Palace understands their sentiment and will not stop them from expressing them.

"Hindi natin pipigilan ang kanilang pagsasabi ng kanilang damdamin (We will not stop them from expressing their emotions)," Castro said.

"Huwag lang siguro lalagpas na magkakaroon ng alarma at masasabi po natin na 'yan ay sedition or inciting to sedition na po (It should not reach the point of causing alarm that we can consider seditious)," she added.

When asked how the government would act against those inciting sedition, Castro said the response would involve legal measures.

"By filing cases, complaints," she said.